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Qualities to be an Elder in the church
Elders: Qualifications/Qualities
1 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:14; 5:17-20; Titus 1:5-9, Acts 14:21-23; 15:2; 16:4; 20:17-35; 1 Peter 5:1-4; James 5:13-15; Hebrews 13:15-17; Philippians 1:1; Ezekiel 34:1-10
There are two extremes that must be avoided when understanding any topic in the Bible:
• Becoming Pharisees where we add things beyond what has been revealed.
• Skipping or diluting anything, specifically teachings that are difficult or demanding.
A quick glance of the qualifications reveal that elders must possess certain qualities related to at least four areas, including: Family, personal conduct, church reputation, and community reputation. Many of these qualities certainly overlap. In 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, where we can read the qualities of what an elder must be, it is important to notice that this is in the present tense. These qualifications are what an elder must be, not just what a man must have been to become appointed. When one ceases to meet any of these criteria, he no longer meets the requirement of what an elder “Must be.” It is important to recognize that there are some disputed understandings of what is written. Even in this, each congregation should strive to resolve these concerns to the satisfaction of all her members. As much as is possible, elders should be free from any doubts that would hinder their ability to serve the congregation.
List of qualifications/qualities:
1. Is a Christian man: 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6
This is sometimes not listed when a congregation discusses the qualifications of an elder because it is obvious to us what the scriptures says. However, I have known sound congregations that have become unsound and have appointed woman as elders in the church. The Greek word translated man here is τις (tis), which is a neuter pronoun that can mean either a male or female. However, we have the Greek word ἀνήρ (anēr), which means husband (male spouse: not a boy). In the context, Paul is clearly talking about a man serving as an elder when one also reads that this person must also be a husband.
2. Is blameless: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7
The word translated “blameless” in 1 Timothy 3:2 is ἀνεπίλημπτος (anepilēmptos) which means “one against whom no evil charge can be sustained; one who is above an established charge of evil.”
The word translated “blameless” in Titus 1:6 is ἀνέγκλητος (anegklētos), which means: “That which cannot rightfully be caused to answer evil and criminal action.”
An elder must be (not have been) blameless: Presently free from any provable charge. Blamelessness in the absolute is impossible among any of us. However, the word is used in a relative sense meaning that he must not be open to any charges of ungodliness and unrighteousness. He must be a man who has demonstrated that he walks in the light. (1 John 1:7).
3. Is married: (ἄνδρα μιᾶς γυναικὸς = male-one-woman) 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6
To what extent does this phrase mean, I do not know. However, an elder cannot be single. He must be married and must be married to one wife (woman).
What about a widower who has remarried? He is certainly not a bigamist (husband of two wives). He has a right to remarry (Romans 7:1-3; 1 Corinthians 7:39) and then would be the “husband of one wife.”
What about one divorced and remarried? Presuming that he has been scripturally divorced and remarried (Matthew 19:9), he would be the “husband of one wife.”
4. Rules his own house well: 1 Timothy 3:4-5
To serve as an elder, a man must be able to manage his family well. His children submit to his authority as their father with respect and reverence. His wife also demonstrates respect and dignity toward him. “If a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” The answer to this rhetorical question is that such a man would not be able to take care of the church.
A man who would be qualified to serve as an elder must demonstrate that he is:
- Providing for his family (Matthew 7:9-1; 1 Timothy 5:8).
- Exhorting, encouraging and imploring his children (1 Thessalonians 2:11).
- Raising his children in the discipline and nurture of the Lord without provoking them or exasperating them causing them to lose heart (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21).
- Loving and respecting his wife (Ephesians 5:25-33).
5. Has faithful children: Titus 1:6
There are 3 major views concerning this quality.
View 1: “Having faithful children” In context this is not contrasting Christian children and unbelieving children, but rather, between obedient/respectful children and lawless/uncontrolled children. The phrase, “faithful children,” does not appear in a vacuum. It is followed by the phrase, “not accused of dissipation or insubordination”. We may debate about “how old” his children should be, but they must be old enough for the father to have demonstrated that he “knows how to rule his own house.”
View 2: “Having faithful children,” means that all this man’s children must be currently faithful Christians. An elder's children must be able to show their ability to live the life of a Christian as a direct result of the faithful rearing by their father. The children should be obedient to their father as well as to Christ. Even one child who is an unbeliever will preclude a man from serving as an elder because it shows that he has failed to even raise his own children to become lifelong faithful Christians.
View 3: “Having faithful children,” means that at one time this man’s children must all have been Christians. However, it does not require that an elder's children remain faithful after they move out. The texts primarily address an elder's ability to manage his household, including his children while they are under his authority. Once children move out, they are no longer directly under the elder's supervision, and their actions are not indicative of his leadership ability.
6. Has children not accused of dissipation or insubordination: Titus 1:6
Dissipation/Riot: ἀσωτία (asōtia) - “an abandoned, dissolute life; indulgence in sensual pleasure”
Insubordination/Unruly/Disobedient: ἀνυπότακτος (anypotaktos) - “not made subject, that cannot be subjected to control, disobedient, unruly, refractory”
Dignity: σεμνότης (semnotēs) (1 Timothy 3:4) - “the characteristic of a thing or person which entitles to reverence and respect, dignity, majesty, sanctity”
Proverbs 28:7 (NASB1995) He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
Children who live lives of dissipation and insubordination are proof that their father does not rule his household well and therefore would also not rule the church of God well.
7. Has children: 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6
For a man to be qualified he must have at least 1 child.
Children: τέκνον (teknon): The Greek word τέκνον is used in a plural connotation (children) and in a singular (child). This is known as plural of class, or the plural containing the singular. This word is also clearly translated into a singular use in the following passages as well: Revelation 12:5; Luke 15:31; Matthew 9:2; Luke 20:28; 1 Timothy 5:4. The Apostle Paul uses this word to clearly mean singular in 1 Timothy 5:10 and Titus 2:4. If this Greek word must be understood to be “two or more children”, than a widow who only has one living relative would not be responsible for their loved one. This word is also in Ephesians 6:4, if we must translate this word to be “two or more children”, than is a man with only one child okay to provoke that one to wrath? In this text, especially considering this Greek word being used other times in both the epistle of 1 Timothy and Titus, this means that an elder must have at least one child, and all his children must demonstrate that they are obedient and respectful of their father.
8. Is temperate: 1 Timothy 3:2
Temperate/Vigilant/Sober: νηφάλιος (nēphalios) - “Properly, sober, temperate, abstinent, especially in respect to wine; then sober-minded, watchful, circumspect”
This word carries with it the idea of moderation and the results of soberness: The ability to watch and discover danger. One of the responsibilities of an elder is to keep the church from departing from the truth. Therefore, he must be ever on the watch, keenly aware of the dangers from within and without.
9. Is sober-minded: 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:8
Sober-minded/Temperate/Discreet: σώφρων (sophron) means, “of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses, curbing one's desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate.”
To be qualified as an elder, a man must be even tempered and circumspect, with a sound and well-balanced mind. He is one who cannot be easily swayed to follow error.
10. Is of good behavior: 1 Timothy 3:2
Of good behavior/Orderly/Respectable: κόσμιος (kosmion) - “Well arranged, seemly, modest”
This qualification is specifically external, this man should be known as a gentleman. He should not be unkempt in his appearance or rough/rude in his manners. To be an elder a man must be known as someone who is honest with everyone. He must be modest and dignified in speech, conduct, and appearance.
11. Is hospitable: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
Hospitable: φιλόξενος (philoxenos) - “literally means a lover of strangers; one who is ready to receive into his house others with needs”
In the first century, many inns were of ill repute (drugs and prostitution). And many Christian travelers were often poor and could not afford to stay at an inn with good report. For one to be qualified as an elder he must be “given to hospitality,” one who enjoys and delights in helping strangers, specifically those not as well off financially as he is. Such a man looks forward to greeting and inviting strangers with kindness and love into his home and into the church services.
12. Is able to teach, exhort, convict: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9
Teach: διδακτικός (didaktikos) - “apt and skillful in teaching”
Exhort/Instruct: παρακαλέω (parakaleō) - “to call to one's side, to address, to entreat, to encourage and strengthen, to instruct, to teach”
Convict/Convince: ἐλέγχω (elegchō) - “to convict, refute, to the light, to expose, to find fault with, to correct, to admonish, to show one his fault, to chasten”
An elder He must hold fast the teachings and practices found in the Word. He has a twofold obligation, first, he must be able to teach and instruct believers, and second, he must be willing and able to confront and correct those who either teach or live in an unbiblical manner. The Holy Spirit made this a requirement and any man who is to be qualified as an elder must know the truth and is able and willing to defend it.
13. Is gentle: 1 Timothy 3:3
Gentle/Patient: ἐπιεικής (epieikēs) - “Fitting, suitable, fair, reasonable, kind, mild, equitable and gentle”
An elder must be a gentle man in his consideration and conduct toward others, he cannot be known as a man who is bitter, unkind, stern or disagreeable in nature. An elder must be willing and able to confront those who walk or teach contrary to the Word, but even in this, they ought to show gentleness and kindness.
14. Has a good testimony from without: 1 Timothy 3:7
Testimony/Report/Record: μαρτυρία (martyria) - “Concerning one’s character”
Too often men are selected and appointed to the eldership without regard for their reputations among those people who are not Christians. The man who has the reputation for being self-willed, arrogant, contentious, whose word is no good, who cheats, and steals in business, cannot qualify for the work of an elder in the Lord’s church. An elder must be a man of character not only among Christians but also among those with whom he works with and lives nearby. We as the body must do our research to determine how this man is known in the workplace and his community.
15. Is a lover of what is good: Titus 1:8
Lover of what is good/Lover of good men: φιλάγαθος (philagathos) - “Fond of good, a promoter of virtue, a love of good men”
The elders of the church must be men who love and promote good things. He must demonstrate love toward good faithful members of the body.
1 John 3:14 (NASB1995) We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
To love the people of God is to love good and to love God. An elder must be one who encourages righteous thoughts and deeds among the congregation.
16. Is just: Titus 1:8
Just/Fair: δίκαιος (dikaios) – “In a wide sense, upright, righteous, virtuous, keeping the commands of God; in a narrower sense, rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them”
1 Timothy 5:21 (NASB1995) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.
An elder must be a man who strives to be just and fair in his dealings with others, one who is fair with his counsel, admonitions, and his reproofs. He must be fair regarding the decisions that he will make for the congregation. Elder must ensure that the decisions they make are not rendered in favor of a few (especially those with whom they share commonality with).
17. Is holy: Titus 1:8
Holy/Devout: ὅσιος (hosios) - “Undefiled by sin, free from wickedness, religiously observing the teaching of God’s Word, pious toward God”
We are not to understand this to mean that the man is one who never sins; because we know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). An elder is one that when he sins, he quickly repents. He must be a man who is growing in all aspects of life to be more like Christ. An elder must be one who has grown into the likeness of Christ because of his life of following Christ and obeying His commands.
18. Is self-controlled: Titus 1:8
Self-controlled ἐγκρατής (egkratēs) - “Self-controlled, continent; having power over, possessed of; mastering, curbing, restraining; temperate”
An elder is one who must demonstrate that he is a man with the ability and power to govern his conduct and who restrains himself from the over-indulgence of anything. This would also include that a man be able to control his tongue. An elder cannot be a man who lets himself fly into rage when things don’t go his way.
19. Is not given to wine: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
Drunkenness is strongly forbidden in the Bible, no one: elder, deacon, preacher, or any member, can become a drunkard with the approval of God.
Romans 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.
1 Corinthians 5:11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
Translated as: “not given to wine” (KJV, NKJV); “not addicted to wine” (NASB); “no brawler” (ASV); “not a drunkard” (NRSV). This phrase is only found in these two passages in the Bible. The Greek is μὴ πάροινον (ma paroinon) in both passages and is defined as, μὴ - (Not, by no means; never at any time) and πάροινον – (Given to wine, drunken with wine; quarrelsome). “Not given to wine” simply means that the Overseer must not be subject to intoxication. It may even have the connotation of abstaining from even the act of situating oneself in the presence of people and places where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is occurring.
20. Is not violent: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
Translated as: “not violent” (NKJV, NRSV); “no striker” (KJV, ASV); “not pugnacious” (NASB). The Greek in both passages is μὴ πλήκτην (ma plaktan) and is defined as: μὴ - “Not, by no means; never at any time” and πλήκτην - “Striker, bruiser, ready with a blow; a pugnacious, contentious, quarrelsome person.
The English translations render this variously as, not a striker; not violent; not pugnacious; not a fist-fighter; not given to blows; not ready to wound; not a brawler. An elder must be a peaceful man, who does not retaliate those who wrong him. He must be able to govern his actions and must be patient and kind even to all who insult him.
1 Peter 2:21-23 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously.
21. Is not greedy for money: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
Translated as: “not greedy for money” (NKJV); “not greedy of filthy lucre” (KJV); “not greedy of filthy lucre” (ASV, Ti 1:7); “not fond of sordid gain” (NASB, Ti 1:7). This word is omitted in 1 Timothy 3:3 in the ASV, NASB, NRSV versions because of dispute concerning if it was added after Paul wrote the letter.
The Greek in both passages is μὴ αἰσχροκερδῆ (ma aischrokerdas) and is defined as: μὴ - “Not, by no means, never at any time” and αἰσχροκερδῆ - “Eager for base gain; sordid.”
The idea is that the man must not obtain money in a wicked and unlawful manner; not to be greedy to obtain and keep selfishly the wealth of this world. The English versions render this phrase as, not greedy of filthy lucre; not desirous of filthy gain; no lover of money; not avaricious; not addicted to dishonest gain; not making gain by dishonest methods; not greedy for dishonest money.
The statement comprehends two thoughts. An elder must not be a man who uses any corrupt or immoral methods in making money, as well as a man who does not have a strong or extreme desire to obtain money. Both the excessive desire for wealth, and the ungodly methods of obtaining it are strongly prohibited in this qualification, but the method of immoral means to gain wealth is the emphasis.
22. Is not quarrelsome: 1 Timothy 3:3
The Greek word here is only found here and in Titus 3:2. The word ἄμαχος (am'-akh-os) meaning, “not to be withstood, invincible, not contentious, abstaining from fighting.” Translated as: “not quarrelsome” (NKJV, NRSV); “not a brawler” (KJV); “not contentious” (ASV); “peaceable” (NASB). The Revised Version combines the qualification “not given to wine” and ἄμαχος (am'-akh-os) - “Not a brawler,” but in the Greek, these are two separate but related qualifications.
This word carries with it the idea of abstaining from battle, whether physical or verbal. This does not mean that an elder cannot contend and defend the truth. But even in defending the truth, he ought to do so with a spirit that is not quarrelsome. The elder must be a man who seeks and contributes to peace. A man who is known to be quarrelsome is certainly not ready to be an elder. Can you imagine a man within the eldership who is quarrelsome, who demands that his judgments and his course of action must be taken? Such a man would unnecessarily disrupt the peace of a congregation and cause division.
23. Is not covetous: 1 Timothy 3:3
Translated as: “not covetous” (NKJV, KJV); “no lover of money” (ASV); “free from the love of money” (NASB); “not a lover of money” (NRSV). The Greek word here is also found in Hebrews 13:5, ἀφιλάργυρος (af-il-ar'-goo-ros) meaning, “not loving money, not avaricious”
This is also expected of all Christians in Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5; and 1 Timothy 6:10.
I see this strong desire to put one’s faith and trust in money as why many congregations are falling short of their responsibilities regarding the work of the church. If such men were appointed Elders, they would guard the Lord’s money in such a selfish way that just as little as possible is spent. It is not the intent of the Lord to see how much money the church can accumulate. The Lord’s money is to be used for helping needy Saints, in the spreading of the gospel, and in the building up of the Saints through worship and work of the church.
24. Is not a novice: 1 Timothy 3:6
Translated as: “not a novice” (NKJV, KJV, ASV); “not a new convert” (NASB); “must not be a recent convert” (NRSV). The Greek term is only used here, μὴ νεόφυτον (ma neophuton) and is defined as: μὴ - “Not, by no means, never at any time” νεόφυτον - “Newly planted; a neophyte, a novice. The very nature of the work that an elder must do suggest a man with experience. There is no place in the eldership for a man who is a beginner at Christianity, or who does not know by experience the problems he must face as an elder. The time it takes for one to grow and we do not all grow at the same rate. Paul goes further to tell why a novice should not be appointed, “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.” The Devil’s fall was because of his pride. Pride cannot be a characteristic of any man who is an elder. In the Army we often say of leaders who should not oversee anyone that they have been promoted to his or her level of incompetence. Such a saying should not be found in the church.
25. Is not self-willed: Titus 1:7
Translated as: “not self-willed” (NKJV, KJV, ASV, NASB), “must not be arrogant” (NRSV). The Greek term is found only here and in 2 Peter 2:10, μὴ αὐθάδη (ma authada) and is defined as μὴ - “Not, by no means; never at any time” αὐθάδη - “Wilful, stubborn, headstrong; self-pleasing, self-willed, arrogant.” A man holds this position with other men and when one who does not have the disposition to yield his own will in matters of judgment, the consequences will be division within the eldership and eventually the church. Since elders must work together, each must be reasonable and considerate of the rights and privileges of all the others. When one man is found among the elders who is self-willed it is impossible to accomplish much unless all others surrender to him, which amounts to a one-man dictatorship.
“...he must not be of such a stubborn spirit that he clings to his own will and refuses to listen to reason or facts. One in such a position must have the sincere desire to fully investigate all sides, to know the full truth, and then be guided by it, and not by the self-will of his own.” - Lipscomb
26. Is not quick-tempered: Titus 1:7
Translated as: “not quick-tempered” (NKJV, NASB, NRSV); “not soon angry” (KJV, ASV). The Greek term is only found once, μὴ ὀργίλον (ma orgilon) which is defined as, μὴ - “Not, by no means; never at any time” ὀργίλον - “irritable; passionate; prone to anger, irascible, soon angry.” Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins. Elders must deal with difficult situations. They must confront false doctrine, rebuke sin, and correct problematic behavior. As shepherds, they strive to bring back wayward and wandering sheep. All these situations can be vexing and can lead a man to anger if he does not have the experience in life to control this emotion.
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Elders: Qualifications/Qualities
- Is a Christian man: 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:6
- Is blameless: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:7
- Is married: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6
- Rules his own house well: 1 Timothy 3:4-5
- Has faithful children: Titus 1:6
- Has children not accused of dissipation or insubordination: Titus 1:6
- Has children: 1 Timothy 3:4; Titus 1:6
- Is temperate: 1 Timothy 3:2
- Is sober-minded: 1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:8
- Is of good behavior: 1 Timothy 3:2
- Is hospitable: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
- Is able to teach, exhort, convict: 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:9
- Is gentle: 1 Timothy 3:3
- Has a good testimony from without: 1 Timothy 3:7
- Is a lover of what is good: Titus 1:8
- Is just: Titus 1:8
- Is holy: Titus 1:8
- Is self-controlled: Titus 1:8
- Is not given to wine: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
- Is not violent: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
- Is not greedy for money: 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7
- Is not quarrelsome: 1 Timothy 3:3
- Is not covetous: 1 Timothy 3:3
- Is not a novice: 1 Timothy 3:6
- Is not self-willed: Titus 1:7
- Is not quick-tempered: Titus 1:7
- Qualities_to_be_an_Elder_in_the_church.pdf (161.63 kB)
